Coin-controlled mechanism.



No. 660,8"). Patentedflct. 30, I900. F. P. COX. COIN CONTROLLEDMECHANISM.

(Application filed Apr. 8, 1899.)

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No. 660,8l0. Patanted Oct. 30, I900. F. P. COX.

COIN CONTROLLED MECHANISM.

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No. 660,310. Patented (lot. 30, I900. F. P. cox.

COIN CONTROLLED MECHANISM.

(Application filed Apr. 8, 1899.) (No Model. Sheets-Sheet 3.

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. JTUL UNITED STATES PATENT CFFICE. C

FRANK P. COX, OF LYNN, MASSACHUSETTS, ASSIGNOR TO THE GENERAL ELECTRICCOMPANY, OF NEW'YORK. I

COIN-CONTROLLED MECHANISM.

sPEcIFicATIon formingpart of Letters Patent Lid-660,810, dated October30, 1900.

Application filed April 8. 1899. Serial No. 712,208. (Nomodeh) To allwhont it may concern.

Beitknown that 1, FRANK P. COX, a citizen of the United States, residingat Lynn,'in the county of Essex and State of Massachusetts, haveinvented certain new and useful 1mprovements in Coin-ControlledMechanism, (Case No. 829,) of which the following is a specification.

The present invention relates to coin-controlled mechanisms, and has forits object to improve their constructions.

The invention is directed more particularly toward the means employedfor insuring the opening and closing of the circuit of prepayment-metersor other electricdevices at pre-' determined times.

In the accompanying drawings, which show an embodiment ofmy invention,Figure 1 is a front elevation of a meter with the casing shown in dottedlines. Fig. 2 is aside elevation of the meter, the casing being shown indotted lines, as before. View showing the switch for making and breakingthe circuit, and Fig. 4 is a diagram of connections. r

The invention is shown in connection with one of the well-known Thomsonrecording wattmeters, in which A represents a supportingframe for thevarious parts of the meter.

A is the main shaft, and mounted thereon is an armature A and adamping-disk A The armature is mounted for revolution between thestationary field-coils A which are included in the main circuit, and thedamp ing-disk is mounted for rotary movement between the poles of thedamping-magnets A On the upper end of the armature-shaft is a worm A andmeshing with this worm is a worm-wheel A which is connected by suitablegearing with the registering mechanism and the indicating hand orpointer A Mounted on the front of the meter-frame A is a coin-controlleddevice for regulating the action of the meter. This device consists of amain coin-chute B and a secondary coin-chute B, the latter beingprovided with a slot in the front to show the number of coins containedtherein, and between the two portions of the coin-chute is a rotarycoin-receiver 1-3 The coin receiver is provided with a receptacle forreceiving the coin after Fig. 3 is a detail it is inserted in the chuteB and acoiled spring I) for returning it to the normal position as soonas the coin has been deposited in the secondary coin-chute BC The objectof this devlce is to prevent the insertion of improper articles into thecoin-chute for the purpose of actuating the meter. The secondary coin=chute B extends transversely across the front of the meter, and theright-hand end is slightly lower than the left-hand end and is curveddownward, so that the coins always have a tendency to move toward theright and drop into engagement with the rotary coin-wheel C and theflexible spring D. The coin-wheel C is not included in the circuit, aswill be seen by reference to Fig. 4. The flexible spring D, situated atthe right of the coin-wheel, is connected to one side of the circuit,and at its lower end is provided with a silver contact, which isarranged to establish connection with the fixed contact E when acoinpasses from the coin-slot B and rests between one of the arms of thecoin-wheel Cand the contact D. The circuit connection of this particularfeature of the meter will be described hereinafter.

'The coin-wheel C is mounted on a shaft which is provided with suitablebearings, and meshing with the arms of this wheel isafourarm cam-wheelF. The arms of the wheel F I do not claim the construction andarrangement of the coin-wheel C and the armwheel F, since it is theinvention of Charles E. Holmes and is shownand claimed in applicationSerial No. 675,236, filed March 26,

Situated below the coin-wheel C and to the.

left of the coin-slot is a pair of contacts G l and G. The formerconsists of a long thin piece of spring metal and is connected to oneside of the circuit, while the latter consists of a fixed piece of metaland is connected by a suitable wire to the opposite side of the cir- Thearrangement of the contacts and cnit.

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coin-chute above referred to is such that the coin first closes thecircuit between the contacts D and E, and later the same-coin closes thecircuit between contacts Gand G. When only a single coin is deposited inthe meter, the closing of the circuit between contacts D and E energizesthe magnet H, which closes the main circuit of the meter. After theconsumer has received the prepaid amount of energy, the rotation of thecoin-wheel C permits the coin to drop and open the circuit between thecontacts D and E, the main circuit, however, still remaining closed. Thenext instant the coin drops on the flexible contact G and by its weightcloses the circuit through the releasing-magnet As soon as this is donemagnet O is momentarily energized and the tripping mechanism is releasedin a manner more fully described hereinafter. In other words, thearmature of the meter constitutes an automatic register-controllingdevice and drives the coinwheel to a point where it releases the coinand the latter-again becomes operative by closing the circuit of thereleasing magnet.

When two or more coins or other tokens are I on deposit in the apparatusatthe same time,

the first coin is released by the coin-wheel O when the prepaid amountof energy has been consumed; but before it can drop to a point where itwill close the circuit between the contacts G and G the second coin hasadvanced to a point where it closes the circuit of the magnets H. This"prevents the interruption of the main circuit.

The coin-actuating mechanism of the meter and also the gearing aresupported by the back plate B and this plate is supported by a number oflogs A projecting outward from the meter-frame A. The plate beingsecured in place by screws it is a very sim- I ple matter to remove theentire mechanism either for inspection or repairs.

thereto by screws, 'atfords a support for the coin-chute and other partsof the prepayment mechanism. The main and secondary coinchutes areformed in the casting I, which is bar forms the yoke between the coresof the The cores of the magnets are' magnets H. v provided with conicaltips which extend through the movable armature H. This arran geme'ntpermits a wide range of movement I of thearmature W'li h a s ubstantially-constant pull.

The support- K is made of fiber or other insulating material and isretainedin place by screws K, which enter lugs projecting from themeter-frame.

screws.

A second plate B parallel with the first and secured Mounted on thesupport K is the armature H of the magnets H. The means employed forsupporting the armature consist of a ward, as shown at l, to provide anadditional spring to raise the armature to the position shown, and bymoving the screw 1 in or out the tension of the spring Z can beadjusted.

On the outer end of the strip L is a springcontact L.

In the present instance this contact is made of silver, since it makesbetter contact and is not so liable to corrode as other metals. Situateddirectly below the contact is a second contact M, also covered withsilver, which is carried by a small plate mounted on the top of theleft-hand magnet -H. Mounted on the bar J is an L-shaped piece of nonmagntic material N, and secured thereto is a small magnetic blow-out Nfor disrupting any are which may be formed when the circuits between thecontacts L and M are interrupted. This magnet is of the horseshoe typeand is energized by a winding that is' included in the main circuit ofthe 5 meter.

Mounted on the top of the insulated plate K is a bracket 0, and securedto the bracket is an iron-clad'shunt-wound magnet 0 This magnet isprovided with an armature O, hav- IOO ing a horizontal movement, whicharmature is arranged to release the armature 1-1 and permit the contactsL and M to separate. Secured to the front of the armature is'a bifurcated arm 0 3.) Pi'vot'ally mounted on the "head of lefthand magnet His a latch P. This latch is composed of two books connected 'by'a rod P.The rod P also serves to connect the outer ends'o'fthe bifurcated arm 0Mounted 1 10 on the top of the armature H and supported by posts it is aplate h, the latches P and plate 7t being so arranged that they willengage 'when the magnets H are energized and the armature H" moveddownward to a point Situated in the lower right-hand corner of the meterand directly under the secondary coin-chute B isa tubular coin'receiverR. This receiver is held in position by a pivoted plate R, locatedbeneath the meter and retained in place by a wing-nut R which nut r30can be sealed in place in the ordinary manner to prevent tampering withthe meter.

Referring to Fig. 4, the circuit connections of the meter will bedescribed.

Apart of the piece L is bent down- 75 (Bestshown in Figs. 2 and 105 Thisspring is designed to 1:0

edsio e 1 and 2 represent supply-mains, and 3 and -L the house-11mins,supplying current to the lamps or other translating devices 5. Ourrententers through the main 1 and passes through the winding on the blow-outmagnet to contact M, thence to contact L and the spring-plate L, locatedon top of the armature H, through the field-coils A to the house main 3.The circuit fromv main 2 is to the strip S, located in the back of themeter, to the house-main e. The armature A of the meter is connectedbetween point 6 and the strip S. In other words, it. is connected inshunt to the house-mains. In circuit with the armature is astarting-coil 7, furnishing an initial field, and a resistance 8 forreducing the amount of current flowing in the circuit, which is mountedin an envelop 8' and.

placed in the back of the meter. The magnet H is employed to close themain circuit of the meter and also that of the consumer, and its windingis connected to wire 9 on one side and to contact E on the other.Contact D, which forms a part of the last-mentioned circuit, isconnected, when a coin is placed in the meter, to the strip S through aresistance 10 and Wire 11. The resistance 10 is wound on a spool and issecured to one of the vertical side frames of the meter. The magnet 0,for releasing the armature H when it is desired to interru pt thecircuit of the meter, is connected between point 12 on wire 9 and thefixed contact G. The circuit is completed through the flexible contactG, resistance 10, wire 11, and strip S. By this arrangement I am enabledto use a single resistance for reducing the current in both the magnetsH and O. I have found that in meters of this class it is preferable tohave one magnet for positively insuring the closing of the circuit, anda second magnet for positively insuring the opening of the circuit. Withthe parts arranged as shown in the diagram the main circuit is closedand the coin 13 is held between the coin-wheel G and the flexiblecontact D. The coin is released by reason of the rotation of thecam-wheel F and the arm-wheel or coin-receiver C, due to the operationof the meter. When the coin drops, the spring of contact D is sufficientto cause the interruption of the circuit at that point, and consequentlythe magnet H becomes denergized. The spring-plate L is not, however,permitted to raise the armature H and open the main circuit until themagnet O is energized. When the coin the contacts L and M to separateand interrupt the circuit of both the meter and the consumer. The magnetN quickly disrupts any are which maybe formed at that point.

It will be seen that the coins do not form a part of an electriccircuit. This I have found to he a desirable feature, since it preventsall burning of the coins which might be occasioned if the coin acted asa part of the circuit.

circuit without introducing any friction into the operation of themeter, and, as described in the Holmes application above referred to,the weight of the coin is utilized to overcome any friction of the coinand cam-wheels. I am also able to get any desired amount of energy foropening or closing a switch or SWlLOiluS, since the magnets can be woundto produce any desired result.

In practicing my invention it is unnecessary to follow the arrangementshown in the drawings, since the invention can be applied to any sort ofdevice which is Wholly or partially electric where it is desired topositively open and close an electric circuit. The invention maybe advantageouslyapplied where the coin forms a part of the principal or asecondary circuit or where the coin is outot' circuit and its weight isutilized to close the main circuit.

So far as I am aware I am the first to provide a prepayment mechanism inwhich a magnet is employed for closing a circuit and a second magnet foropening the circuit, both of the magnets being under the direct controlof a deposited coin or token.

What I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent of theUnited States, is

1. In acoiu-controlled mechanism, the combination of an electriccircuit, a circuitbreaker included in the circuit,magneticallycontrolled means for controlling both the opening andtheclosing of the circuit-breaker, a coincontrolled device for causing theclosing of the circuit-breaker, and a separate device alsocoin-controlled for causing the opening of the circuit-breaker.

2. In a coin-controlled mechanism, the combination of an electriccircuit, a switch included in the circuit, a magnet for causing theclosing of the switch, a second magnet for causing the opening of theswitch, and a coin-controlled means which is so arranged that the coincauses the energizing of first one magnet and then the other.

3. In a coin-controlled mechanism, the combination of an electriccircuit, a switch included in the circuit, a magnet for causing theclosing of the switch, a second magnet for causing the opening of theswitch, and a coin-controlled means which is so arranged that it firstcauses the closing of the circuit, and ,then the opening of the circuit,a single coin causing both operations.

4E. In a mechanism controlled by a coin or other token, the combinationof a circuit, a switch in the circuit, a magnet for closing the switch,a magnet for opening the switch, contacts arranged in the path of thecoin or token in such manner that first one magnet-circuit is closed andthen another; and means for preventing the closing of the second circuituntil after a certain interval.

retarding the passing of thecoin so that there will be an appreciabletime interval between the closing and opening of the switch.

6. In a prepayment mechanism for electric meters, the combination With ameter and the main circuit for its coil or coils, of a normallyopencircuit-closer included in the meter-circuit, magnetically-controlledmeans for respectively opening and closing said circuitcloser, a coincontrolled device for setting into action the means for closing thecircuitcloser, and a separate device also controlled by the coin forsetting into action the means for opening said circuit-closer,substantially as set forth..

7. In a prepayment mechanism for electric meters, the combination withthe register mechanism of the meter and the main circuit for themeter-coil, ot' a normally-open circuiteloser included in themeter-circuit, separate electromagnetic means for respectivelycontrolling the opening and closing of said circuit-closer, acoin-controlled device for setting into action the means for closing thecircuit closer, and an automatic register controlled device for movingthe deposited coin to a point where it Will set into action the meansfor releasing or opening said circuitcloser, substantially as specified.

8. In a prepayment mechanism for electric meters, the combination withthe register mechanism of the meter, and the main circuit for themeter-coil, of a circuit-closer included in the meter-circuit and havinga movable member,separate electromagnetic means for controlling themoving of said movable member of the circ nit-closer to operative andinoperative positions,a coin-controlled device for setting into actionthe means for adj usting said movable member to an operative positionand an automatic register-controlled ee sio device for advancing thedeposited coin to a point where it will set into action the means forreleasing or moving said movable member to an inoperative position. I

9. In a prepayment mechanism for electric meters, the combination withthe register' mary circuit-closer included in a circuit with saidelectromagnet and the main-line connections for the meter, acoin-controlled device for operating the primary circuit 'closer, and acoin or token controlled device for automatically setting into actionthe means for moving said armature away from its magnet.

10. In a prepayment mechanism forelectric meters, the combination withthe register mechanism of the meter, and the main circuit for themeter-coil, of a circuit-closer included in said meter-circuit, andhaving a movable member, a main-cireuit-closing armature carrying themovable member of said circuit-closer, an electromagnet for moving saidarmature in one direction, a separate electromagnet for regulating themoving of the armature in the opposite direction, separate localcircuits for each of said magnets, a coin-controlled device for closingone of said local circuits, and a separate device also coin-controlledfor closing the other of said local circuits.

11. In aprepayment' mechanism for electric meters, the combination withthe register mechanism of the meter, and the main circuit for themeter-coil, of a circuit-closer included in the meter-circuit and havinga movable member, a main-circuit-closing armature carrying the movablemember of the circuit-closer, an electromagnet for moving said armaturein one direction, a separate electromagnet for permitting the armatureto move in the opposite direction, separate local circuits for each ofsaid magnets, a coincontrolled device for one of the local circuits, anda coin-controlled device regulated by the register for automaticallyclosing the other of said local circuits.

12. In a prepayment mechanism for electric meters, the combination withthe main circuit, of a circuit-closer included in said circuit andhaving a movable member, a maincircuit-closingarmature carrying themovable member of said circuit-closer, an electromagnet for moving saidarmature in one direction, a separate electromagnet for permitting saidarmature to move in the opposite direction, coin-controlled means forcausing one of said magnets to be energized, and separate means actedupon by the coin for causing the other of said magnets to be separatelyand independently energized.

13. In a prepayment mechanism forelectric meters, the combination withthe main circuit, of a circuit-closer included in said circuit andhaving a movable member, a maincircuit-closing armature carrying themovable member of said circuit-closer, an electromagnet for moving saidarmature in one direction, a lockingdevice pivotallysupported at one endand havinglocking engagement at its other end with said main armature,an

- electromagnet arranged adjacent to the locki in the meter-coil circuitand having a mom able member, a main-circuit-closing armature carryingthe movable member of the circuit-closer, a setting-magnet for movingthe main armature in one direction, a locking device pivotally supportedat one end and having a loose locking engagement at its other end withthe main armature, a release-magnet for controlling the movement of thelocking devicein one direction, a spring for moving the circuit-closingarmature against the action of the magnet, a circuitcloser actuated bythe deposited coin for setting the magnet into operative condition, anda coin-actuated circuit-closer, regulated in its action by the registermechanism, and included in a circuit with the release-magnet.

15. In a metering device, the combination of a coil or coils included ina circuit, a switch which is normally open included in themeter-circuit, coin and magnetically controlled means for regulating theopening of the switch, and coin and magnetically controlled means forregulating the closing of the switch.

16. In a metering device, the combination of a coil or coils included ina circuit, a switch which is normally open included in themeter-circuit, magnetically-controlled means for regulating the openingof the switch, magnetically-controlled means for regulating the closingof the switch, and coin-controlled means for rendering both of themagnetic means operative.

17. In a prepayment mechanism, the combination of a main circuit, acircuit-breaker having a movable member, an armature carrying the saidmember, two magnets which act to control the armature, and separatecoincontrolled devices for controlling the action of the magnets.

18. In a coin or other token controlled apparatus, the combination oftwo normallyopen circuits, contacts for closing the circuits a registermechanism and means for directing the passage of the coin or other tokenthrough the register in such manner that it causes the closing of bothcircuits.

19. In a coin or other token controlled apparatus, the combination oftwo normallyopen circuits, contacts forclosing the circuits, a register,and a chute for directing the movement of the coin or token in suchmanner that the coin or token closes one circuit before ontering theregister, and the other after leaving the register.

20. In a coin or other token controlled apparatus, the combination oftwo normallyopen circuits, a magnet included in each of thenormally-open circuits and arranged to perform useful work, a chute fordirecting the movements of the coin or token, and contacts located-nearthe chute and arranged to be pressed into engagement with each other forclosing the circuit of magnets as the coin passes along; the arrangementbeing such that the circuit of first one magnet is closed, and then theother, the same coin or token acting in both cases.

21. In a coin or other token controlled apparatus which is capable ofreceiving more than a single coin or token, the combination of a magnetfor closing a main circuit, a magnet for opening the circuit, meanslocated in the path of the coin or token for closing both of themagnet-circuits, and means for permitting the second coin or token toadvance to a point where it completes the closing of the circuit of thefirst magnet prior to the time that the first coin completes the circuitof the second magnet, so that there is no interruption of the maincircuit.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand this 5th day of April,1899.

FRANK P. COX.

Witnesses:

DUGALD MOKILLOP, HENRY O. WESTENDARP.

